From 5 to 16 November, Bienvenu Shelter had the joy of welcoming back our dear friends and donors from the Netherlands. They already know our mission well, yet each visit opens up new encounters, new stories and new reasons to continue walking together.
During their stay, they spent time with the Management and Staff, catching up on recent developments and reflecting together on the challenges faced by migrant and refugee women and their children in Johannesburg.
A highlight was the Graduation Ceremony for the Hairdressing and Makeup Courses at the Mother Assunta Training Centre. Christine and Helmich helped to hand out the certificates to the 19 graduating women, taking the time to congratulate each one personally. In that hall, it was clear how their support is not something abstract, but a concrete contribution to women who are learning new skills, regaining confidence and taking important steps towards economic independence.
They also returned to the Lovely Bears Crèche, where the children welcomed them at the Shelter by singing and waving colourful balloons in the air. Later, inside the crèche, they sang together again, danced and played, filling the room with music, movement and laughter. These simple moments said more than many long reports ever could.
Our gratitude from the bottom of our hearts for walking alongside us on our journey to better the lives of migrant and refugee women and their children.
We remain truly thankful for their friendship, their support, their trust and their decision to stay close, even from afar. Looking forward to meeting them again soon. God Bless!
